IOWA CITY, IA - - The following is a statement issued Wednesday afternoon
by University of Iowa Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby:

"Over the past 30 hours our staff and administration have had the opportunity
to discuss the coming weekend's sports schedule at great length. Our nation
is engaged in the aftermath of a horrible tragedy and yet is believed that
college athletics can play a role in the healing process. Consistent with
this belief, and after consultation with colleagues from around the country,
we have made the decision to participate in athletics competitions scheduled
for the weekend of Sept. 15-16. This would include playing the Iowa-Iowa State
football game as scheduled. Our colleagues at Iowa State University share
our perspective that this contest can perform a therapeutic function for the
people of our state.

"Be that as it may, in the event the President of the United States
designates a national period of mourning, we will re-evaluate our participation
during that time. A tragedy of this magnitude renders many important events
insignificant by comparison and we join our citizens in extending our prayers
and best wishes to the victims and their families."

Separately, Bowlsby announced that Iowa's field hockey and soccer events
scheduled for Friday and Saturday have been canceled.